The Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery in Nantes
Nantes was France's leading port for the slave trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. A dark chapter in its history that came to an end with the abolition of slavery in 1848.
In the heart of the city, the Slavery Memorial pays tribute to all those who fought against slavery, past, present and future.
Inaugurated in 2012, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery in Nantes is located on the quays of the Loire. It takes the form of a 400-metre-long planted promenade with a contemporary look.
Along the way, you will see 2,000 glass plaques recalling the names of ships, ports of call and sales ports in the West Indies and Africa. A second part of the memorial is installed underground, almost at the level of the Loire.
Texts and a soundtrack accompany the visitor. A visit to the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery is part of a tour that starts at the Nantes History Museum.
The two sites complement each other, with the museum providing a comprehensive historical overview within a permanent exhibition dedicated to slavery. The route is punctuated by explanatory panels, so allow an hour's walk from one point to the other.
The site is open every day free of charge:
Put down your bags at the gateway to Nantes in one of the two hotels in the Novella Carquefou hotel complex. The Novella City Premium*** and Novella City Confort** are located 20 minutes from the Slavery Memorial, Nantes city centre and Nantes Atlantique airport. Each has a free closed car park.
Choose a hotel with a contemporary atmosphere and stay in one of the 48 spacious and colourful rooms.
The ideal hotel for those on a budget who don't want to skimp on comfort. Our 40 rooms are equipped with new bedding (140 or 160 cm double beds), a work area and a bathroom with shower.
In the heart of the city, the Slavery Memorial pays tribute to all those who fought against slavery, past, present and future.
A part of Nantes' history
A place of remembrance in the heart of the city
Inaugurated in 2012, the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery in Nantes is located on the quays of the Loire. It takes the form of a 400-metre-long planted promenade with a contemporary look.
Along the way, you will see 2,000 glass plaques recalling the names of ships, ports of call and sales ports in the West Indies and Africa. A second part of the memorial is installed underground, almost at the level of the Loire.
Texts and a soundtrack accompany the visitor. A visit to the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery is part of a tour that starts at the Nantes History Museum.
The two sites complement each other, with the museum providing a comprehensive historical overview within a permanent exhibition dedicated to slavery. The route is punctuated by explanatory panels, so allow an hour's walk from one point to the other.
Practical details of the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery in Nantes
The site is open every day free of charge:
- 9am to 6pm from 16 September to 14 May
- From 9am to 8pm from 15 May to 15 September.
Your hotel in Nantes
Put down your bags at the gateway to Nantes in one of the two hotels in the Novella Carquefou hotel complex. The Novella City Premium*** and Novella City Confort** are located 20 minutes from the Slavery Memorial, Nantes city centre and Nantes Atlantique airport. Each has a free closed car park.
Novella City Premium ***
Choose a hotel with a contemporary atmosphere and stay in one of the 48 spacious and colourful rooms.
Novella City Confort **
The ideal hotel for those on a budget who don't want to skimp on comfort. Our 40 rooms are equipped with new bedding (140 or 160 cm double beds), a work area and a bathroom with shower.
